But as the Matter of Respect to the World, which looks on, is carried on, methinks it is so very easie to be what is in the general called Virtuous, that it need not cost one Hour’s Reflection in a Month to preserve that Appellation.  It is pleasant to hear the pretty Rogues talk of Virtue and Vice among each other:  She is the laziest Creature in the World, but I must confess strictly Virtuous:  The peevishest Hussy breathing, but as to her Virtue she is without Blemish:  She has not the least Charity for any of her Acquaintance, but I must allow rigidly Virtuous.  As the unthinking Part of the Male World call every Man a Man of Honour, who is not a Coward; so the Crowd of the other Sex terms every Woman who will not be a Wench, Virtuous.

T.

[Footnote 1:  F. Q. Bk VI. canto vi. st. 14.]

* * * * *

No. 391.  Thursday, May 29, 1712.  Addison.

’—­Non tu prece poscis emaci, Qua nisi seductis nequeas committere Divis:  At bona pars procerum tacita libabit acerra.  Haud cuivis promptum est, murmurque humilesque susurros Tollere de Templis; et aperto vivere voto.  Mens bona, fama, fides, haec clare, et ut audiat hospes.  Illa sibi introrsum, et sub lingua immurmurat:  O si Ebullit patrui praeclarum funus!  Et O si Sub rastro crepet argenti mihi seria dextro Hercule! pupillumve utinam, quem proximus haeres Impello, expungam!—­’

  Pers.

Where Homer [1] represents Phoenix, the Tutor of Achilles, as persuading his Pupil to lay aside his Resentments, and give himself up to the Entreaties of his Countrymen, the Poet, in order to make him speak in Character, ascribes to him a Speech full of those Fables and Allegories which old Men take Delight in relating, and which are very proper for Instruction.  The Gods, says he, suffer themselves to be prevailed upon by Entreaties.  When Mortals have offended them by their Transgressions, they appease them by Vows and Sacrifices.  You must know, Achilles, that PRAYERS are the Daughters of Jupiter.  They are crippled by frequent Kneeling, have their Faces full of Cares and Wrinkles, and their Eyes always cast towards Heaven.  They are constant Attendants on the Goddess ATE, and march behind her.  This Goddess walks forward with a bold and haughty Air, and being very light of foot, runs thro’ the whole Earth, grieving and afflicting the Sons of Men.  She gets the start of PRAYERS, who always follow her, in, order to heal those Persons whom she wounds.  He who honours these Daughters of Jupiter, when they draw near to him, receives great Benefit from them; but as for him who rejects them, they intreat their Father to give his Orders to the Goddess ATE to punish him for his Hardness of Heart.  This noble Allegory needs but little Explanation; for whether the Goddess ATE signifies Injury, as some have explained it; or Guilt in general, as others; or divine Justice, as I am the more apt to think; the Interpretation is obvious enough.